Stevenson University Mustangs to Host MAC Cross Country Championships for Second Time in 2026
The Stevenson University Mustangs men’s and women’s cross country teams have announced their complete 2026 competition schedules, with one of the highlights being the return of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Cross Country Championships to their Greenspring Campus in Owings Mills, Maryland. This event marks the second occasion the Mustangs will host the prestigious conference championships.
2026 Cross Country Schedule and Key Events
Alongside the MAC Championships, Stevenson University will also host the annual MAC Championships Preview Meet, giving the Mustangs and visiting teams a competitive early-season event on home turf. Both the men’s and women’s teams are preparing for a season that features a mix of conference and non-conference competitions designed to build towards postseason success.
The full 2026 schedule for Stevenson University cross country includes:
- September 5 – Season opener at the Allegheny Invitational
- September 19 – Home meet: MAC Championships Preview Meet at Greenspring Campus
- October 10 – MAC Conference Duals, date and location TBD
- October 31 – Middle Atlantic Conference Championships hosted at Greenspring Campus, Owings Mills, MD
- November 14 – NCAA Division III Regional Championships
- November 21 – NCAA Division III National Championships
Exact dates and locations for some events will be finalized in coordination with conference officials later this year. The Mustangs look forward to welcoming the region’s top cross country programs back to their home course, which has previously provided a challenging and scenic setting for runners.
Stevenson University Cross Country Program Background
Stevenson’s cross country program has steadily developed under the guidance of head coaches Patrick Holmes for the women and Dave Ferenz for the men. The Mustangs have been competitive participants within the MAC, consistently placing well at conference meets and qualifying athletes for NCAA postseason events.
The return of the MAC Championships to Stevenson’s Greenspring Campus underscores the quality of the Mustangs’ facilities and the respect the program has earned within the conference. The campus course features rolling terrain and strategic layouts that test athletes’ endurance and racing savvy.
Significance of Hosting the MAC Championships
Hosting the MAC Cross Country Championships is a prestigious honor that provides significant advantages to the home team. For the Mustangs, it offers a home-course advantage against fellow conference rivals and an opportunity to showcase the program’s growth and facilities. Moreover, it allows local fans and the Owings Mills community to engage with high-level collegiate competition.
The Mustangs previously hosted the MAC Championships, and their successful management of the event contributed to the conference’s decision to return it to Stevenson. This event will not only highlight the outstanding runner talent within the MAC but also reinforce Stevenson University’s commitment to fostering athletics in the region.
Maryland Context and Regional Competition
Within Maryland, Stevenson University stands as a competitive NCAA Division III program, regularly facing off against schools such as Johns Hopkins University, Salisbury University, and the United States Naval Academy in cross country and other sports. The return of the MAC Championships to Owings Mills places Stevenson and Maryland in the spotlight within Division III rankings and recruiting circles.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Stevenson University’s announcement of their 2026 cross country schedule, capped by hosting the MAC Championships for a second time, serves as a positive indicator of the program’s upward trajectory. Hosting regional championships provides a platform for the Mustangs to strengthen community ties, enhance recruiting, and elevate their competitive profile.
With strong coaching leadership and a challenging home course, Stevenson is positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Maryland cross country enthusiasts should anticipate exciting races throughout the 2026 season, particularly at the Greenspring Campus. The Mustangs have the infrastructure and talent to contend for conference titles and make a significant impact on the NCAA postseason stage.
Fans and supporters can follow Stevenson University cross country’s progress and future announcements via the official Stevenson Athletics website, as well as local Maryland sports coverage such as Maryland Sports Blog’s Stevenson Mustangs coverage. Additional insights can be found on MAC Sports official site, which offers conference-wide updates and statistics.
Source: Original report
